Two Vancouver Police officers are now on critical incident leave, per standard protocol

VANCOUVER – On Saturday (June 8) at about 1:45 p.m., Vancouver Police were dispatched to the 100 block of SE Columbia Way by the report of a male who had an aggressive German Shepherd that was reported to be running loose and had bitten at least one person. The male was also described as having a firearm. 

According to the caller, the male was walking westbound on the trail near the river. At about 2:59 p.m., Vancouver Police located the male and his dog in the area of Columbia Street/Columbia Way and observed the dog attempt to bite a person. 

As two Vancouver Police officers approached, the male displayed what appeared to be a firearm, and pointed it at one of the officers. An officer discharged his firearm, striking the male. Officers rendered emergency medical aid to the male, however he was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The German Shepherd remained aggressive toward responding emergency personnel and was eventually secured to a dumpster to prevent any further injuries from the dog. 

No police officers were physically injured during this incident.  The dog was subsequently transported to the Humane Society. One person notified dispatch that they were seeking medical treatment for bite wounds sustained from the German Shepherd. 

Two Vancouver Police officers are now on critical incident leave, per standard protocol.

The information being released is preliminary, and this is an ongoing investigation. The Vancouver Police Department notified the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations. The SW Washington Independent Investigation Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, will be investigating the shooting. 

As part of the Vancouver Police Department’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program, video captured by body-worn cameras and in-car cameras will be reviewed and released at a later time.

In compliance with WAC 139-12, Vancouver Police Department personnel will not be involved in this investigation.

• All future communications will be sent via the SWIIRT.
• The SWIIRT will release the names of the involved officers.
• The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the deceased.
• Once the SWIIRT investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Information provided by the Vancouver Police Department.